Islaw was incredibly energetic when he woke up because Agnes had promised they would cook breakfast together. He seemed truly eager to do the things she usually did. Agnes couldn't help but smile every time she thought about the fact that Islaw was doing all of this just for her.
To be honest, she never expected Islaw to try and give back for everything she had done and continued to do for him. Her only thought had always been to care for this merman as long as she could and as long as it was possible. But look at him now—Islaw wanted to learn how to cook just so he could serve her.
"W-what are we cooking, Agnes?" Islaw asked excitedly as they entered the kitchen.
"We're just preparing a simple breakfast, Islaw. Garlic fried rice, eggs, and hotdogs," she said with a smile, showing him the ingredients.
"Is that d-delicious, Agnes?"
"Of course. These are delicious, and they'll taste even better because we're cooking them together."
"Yes! L-let's start, Agnes." Islaw said excitedly.
Just as he said, they began. The first task was slicing onions and garlic. Agnes was hesitant to let him do it, fearing he might cut himself. Even now, Islaw was still fumbling with human objects; he was like a four-year-old child still learning the ropes. Even his speech wasn't quite right yet—a sign that he hadn't fully matured as a normal human being on land.
"Are you sure you can handle that, Islaw?"
"You are s-stubborn, Agnes," he pouted, not even looking at her as he focused on the onion in his hand.
She scratched her head, amused that she was the one being called stubborn.
"Islaw, I'm just worried about you. What if you get cut?"
"I w-won't learn if I don't s-study this, Agnes."
"A-alright," was all she could say. She didn't expect such a mature answer. Truthfully, Islaw never ceased to amaze her.
"B-besides, you will heal my w-wound. You will heal me, Agnes, r-right?"
"Of course," she replied with a smile before ruffling his hair.
"Come on, Islaw. Let's start."
"Alright!" He clapped his hands.
"First, I'll teach you how to mince the onion and garlic."
Agnes stepped behind Islaw. From his back, she held both of his hands—one gripping the sharp knife and the other holding a whole onion. From a distance, it looked as if she were hugging him. People might see it as scandalous, but she didn't care. She and Islaw were comfortable.
"Move your hand like this so you can slice them properly," she said tenderly.
"Like this, Agnes?" Islaw looked at her over his shoulder like a cute child.
"Just like that, Islaw."
She guided his hands to ensure his safety. She stayed close to the cute merman until they finished. It took them about half an hour to complete their breakfast feast. Since it was Saturday, they were in no rush.
"W-we did it, Agnes!" Islaw exclaimed happily as he set a glass of water on the table.
"You're right, Islaw. Good job for putting your heart and soul into it."
"My s-soul and h-heart? What is that?" he asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"It means you worked hard and did a great job. You did your best!" she explained, stroking his hair.
"Really? Are you h-happy because I c-cooked for you, Agnes?"
"Of course, Islaw. Who wouldn't be happy when someone puts in so much effort for them?"
"Th-thank you for teaching me, Agnes." He wrapped his arms around her in a tender hug.
"Oh, Islaw. Why are you thanking me? I should be the one thanking you for cooking me a delicious breakfast." She hugged him back.
"Wow, delicious foods!" a high-pitched voice shouted from outside the kitchen.
They both turned to see Cholo arriving.
"Good morning, Big sis, Big bro!"
"Just in time, Cholo. Come, join us for breakfast."
Without a word, the boy sat in an empty chair and grabbed the serving spoon before they could even sit down. Agnes sat next to Islaw and was about to let Cholo serve himself first, but she and the boy were shocked when Islaw suddenly slapped Cholo's hand away and grumpily snatched the spoon.
"Ouch! That hurts!" Cholo complained, rubbing his hand.
"Don't go b-before Agnes."
"But I'm hungry!"
"Wait your turn. Agnes s-should go f-first."
"Islaw, it's fine if Cholo goes first," she interjected.
"No. I cooked this f-for you. You should be the f-first to taste it."
"You're just trying to earn points with her," Cholo teased, making them laugh.
"That's enough. Let's just eat," she said after the laughter died down.
Since Islaw insisted she go first, she reached for the plate of hotdogs, but Islaw stopped her. He stood up and personally placed the food onto her plate. She could only smile at his gestures. It felt like her heart was being gently caressed.
"You're so sweet, Big brother. I bet big sister is swooning over you right now," Cholo giggled while eating.
"O-of course. Sh-she is my wi-wife, after all." Islaw said, trying his best to speak well despite tripping over his words.
Agnes cheeks turned bright red instantly.
"Wait. I know you're sweet to big sister, but why do you keep calling her your wife?" Cholo asked, a question that made Agnes freeze.
"She i-is my w-wife."
"But you aren't married yet."
"We are already o-one heart." Islaw responded, insisting that they had already tied the knot.
"Since when, Big sis?" the boy asked, looking at her in shock.
"Quite a while ago. A few months, maybe," she answered, scratching her head.
"How? Why didn't I know you were married?"
"Cholo, it's hard to explain."
"She k-kissed me, so she is my w-wife," Islaw chimed in, making Agnes shut her mouth tight. She didn't know what to say to the kid.
"You just kissed and now you're married?"
"Cholo, that's how it works in his culture and traditions," Agnes explained.
"I'm so shocked, Big sis!" he exclaimed.
Agnes didn't say anything more and just continued eating. There was no point in explaining further when Islaw had already handled it. She remained silent; she knew she couldn't hide the fact forever—that she was technically married to a merman. To Islaw.
"Now that you're married, what's your plan, Big brother?" Cholo asked, making her pause again.
"P-plan?"
"You're married. And you're the man. You should provide for big sister. And for your future children."
She looked at Islaw, who looked puzzled.
"You're right, Ch-Cholo. I am the man, so I s-should g-give food to Agnes," Islaw said, standing up. "I need to catch f-fish!"
Islaw was about to leave, but they both stopped him.
"Where are you going, Islaw?"
"I'll f-find f-fish for you."
"Why do we need fish when we have delicious food here, Big brother?"
"Because you s-said I need to p-provide for Agnes. Fish and ornaments are the only t-things we g-give to our w-wives," he said, scratching his head.
So that's how it was. The lives of people on land were truly different from those under the sea. On land, the man usually works to support the family, but it was different for mermen. Surely there were no "jobs" for merfolk under the waves, right?
"Big brother, you're not in the ocean anymore. You're a human now, so you need to do things differently to provide for big sis."
"How?" Islaw tilted his head before sitting back down with a frown.
"You need to work in exchange for money."
"R-right. Agnes always has m-money."
"You need that here. You can't buy anything like food or clothes without money."
"Then I will w-work for Agnes," Islaw said determinedly, but Agnes immediately disagreed.
"You can't." she interrupted.
"Why?" both of them asked.
"I'm just worried about you, Islaw. It's still dangerous for you to interact with people because you're a merman. If you get a job, you'll be away from me. I can't be with you at work. Besides, you don't know anything about living on land yet."
"But Big sis—"
"Cholo, just do as I say. I'm doing this for Islaw's safety."
"But I-I want to w-work for you."
"I can provide for myself and for you, Islaw. Don't worry about me."
"I d-don't want that. I want to w-work."
"Islaw, why are you being so stubborn?" she asked, her voice rising.
"I want to w-work for you and for our f-future c-children someday!" he shouted, leaving her utterly stunned.
He said what?
Agnes stood frozen, her brain unable to process the bluntness of Islaw's words. The kitchen seemed to grow quiet, the sound of Cholo's giggling fading into the background as she stared into Islaw's innocent, expectant eyes.
Her heart hammered against her ribs, and slowly, the room began to blur. The warmth of the kitchen transformed into a soft, golden light, and the silence turned into a gentle cooing sound.
Time runs so fast, and she completely lost track of time.
Agnes wore a wide smile as she cradled a baby who was smiling back at her. Her eyes sparkled with intense joy as she gazed at the beautiful child, whose eyes were just like the man who made her heart race.
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind. When she turned, she beamed instantly. It was Islaw, who leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on her cheek. Together, they watched the infant, who suddenly let out a giggle as if delighted to see them both.
She was about to lean in to kiss the child, but she stopped.
Agnes's brow furrowed as someone relentlessly shook her, calling her name over and over. Her mind was awake, but her eyes refused to open, so she tried to ignore whoever was forcing her out of sleep.
She figured it was still the middle of the night; even with her eyes closed, she knew the time by the lack of moonlight or sun filtering through. There wasn't even a hint of dawn yet. She was certain it was just Islaw being pestering again. He was always like this.
"Big sister, wake up!" a small voice shouted directly into her ear.
The ringing in her ear jolted her upright. "Cholo! That hurt!" she barked, clutching her ear.
"You wouldn't wake up, Big sis!"
"It's still dark, Cholo—wait, how did you get in here?" She looked at the door, which was already wide open.
She glanced at her small, battered clock. Her hunch was right; it was barely 5:00 in the morning. She was baffled as to how Cholo got in, since she was usually the one who opened the door in the morning. It couldn't have been Islaw; he usually slept until noon. And why was Cholo here so early?
It's dawn!
"Who opened the door?" She turned to Cholo, who looked pale and restless.
"Big brother."
"Islaw? He woke up that early?"
"Big sis!" Cholo stomped his feet as if he had something urgent to say.
"What is it? You look like you need to use the bathroom," she chuckled, standing up to head to Islaw's room.
"Big brother left!" Cholo blurted out, stopping her in her tracks.
"What do you mean left? Where did he go?"
"He went to town to look for a job. He went all by himself," he answered, shocking her.
"What?! Islaw is so hard-headed!"
"I was shocked when he showed up at our house. He wanted me to go with him, but my mother wouldn't let me because it was still too dark. So big brother left alone."
"That stubborn merman!" she hissed.
Agnes didn't hesitate. She rushed into her room to change clothes and did a quick fix-up before dashing out of the house with Cholo. After locking the door, she practically sprinted down the road to catch up with him. There were no rides available this early.
"Big sis, it looks like big brother is really determined with his plan."
"Plan?" She slowed down and looked back at the kid, who was clutching the hem of her skirt.
"He told me last night before I went home. He wants to work for you and for your future children."
Is Islaw crazy for thinking that?
"It looks like he wants to get you pregnant, Big sis."
What? Islaw wants to get her pregnant? That must have been what her dream was about.
On the other side of the town, the peace of the morning was shattered by the slamming of a car door.
Erick was in a foul mood as he stepped out of the Acosta residence. He had just finished another argument with his high-maintenance girlfriend, Brianna. He was getting used to it; lately, they fought constantly because of their clashing personalities. He thought this relationship would be better, but he was wrong.
In fact, his previous relationship with Agnes had been much smoother. He had expected the same with Brianna, but the two women were worlds apart.
Thinking of Agnes made his blood boil even more. He had recently found out that she had been spreading rumors throughout town that he was a womanizer, a cheater, and a flirt. Every time he remembered, he erupted in anger. Instead of building a good reputation in town, his name was being dragged through the mud because of that damn Agnes.
He would make her pay.
"Damn!" He slammed on the brakes when a man suddenly crossed the middle of the road. He rolled down the window.
"Hey, you stupid beggar! If you want to kill yourself, don't involve me!" he screamed.
The man didn't speak. Instead, he just tilted his head and frowned. He stood right in front of the car, seemingly with no intention of moving. Erick's temper flared at the way the man was looking at him. He smirked as his eyes trailed down the man's body; he looked like a half-wit.
"Get out of the way, you moron!" he shouted, but the man didn't budge. "Fine. You want it? I'll run you over!"
He rolled up the window and revved the engine. He sped forward and screeched to a halt just inches away from the man.
"You really want to die, you moron?"
"P-please... money," the man said, approaching the window and holding out his hand.
Erick sneered before rolling the window back down. "I knew it. Another bogus beggar."
"P-please... money. I need m-money for my wife."
The way he spoke confirmed it—he was definitely a half-wit.
"Here." Erick grabbed his wallet, took out a few coins, and threw them right at the man's face. The coins scattered on the ground. "Now get lost!"
Erick stayed for a moment, smirking as he watched the man scramble to pick up the dirty coins from the pavement. Then, he sped off, not caring that he left the man in a cloud of exhaust smoke.
That guy is filthy anyway.
He reached his destination: the restaurant he and Brianna were building. It was finished last week, and all they needed was furniture. He was sure it would be a hit. He had made sure to partner with someone wealthy and respected—Brianna.
Honestly, he only stayed with Brianna for the business, but since she was a bit of a flirt, he just went along with it. And that's how he ended up betraying Agnes. In his mind, it was the women's fault. Brianna tempted him, and Agnes... well, if Agnes had been a better girlfriend and provided for his needs as a man, he wouldn't have cheated.
"What are you doing? Who are you?" one of his workers suddenly asked.
Erick looked over and was surprised to see the same half-wit from the road. The man was blocking the workers' path.
"Why are you c-carrying those?" the man asked the worker.
"This is our job. Moving everything inside."
"J-job... I n-need a job."
"Don't look for work here. Go to the market."
"I need m-money. I need a j-job."
"Well then, you're hired," Erick interjected.
"H-hired?" The man tilted his head again. He really was a slow-wit.
"Yup. Carry all this furniture inside and I'll pay you," Erick commanded before turning his back.
He went inside his office, which had one-way tinted glass. He could see everyone, but they couldn't see him. He felt a twisted sense of amusement watching the man struggle. He laughed out loud as he watched the guy straining to lift a heavy cabinet. It was high-quality entertainment.
But outside, beyond the tinted glass and the cool air-conditioning of the office, the scene wasn't funny at all. In the heat of the rising sun, under the shade of a nearby garden, a pair of eyes watched the same struggle through a veil of tears.
Agnes had been hiding behind a large tree for a while now, her heart aching at the sight. She watched Islaw struggle with heavy furniture—cabinets, tables, even refrigerators. No one helped him.
She was furious. Furious at her arrogant ex-boyfriend who owned this place. That jerk, Erick, looked delighted as he bossed the innocent Islaw around. If she had the guts, she'd have kicked Erick where it hurts and pulled Islaw out of there long ago.
"Big sister?"
"What is it?" she asked Cholo, her eyes still on Islaw, who was now carrying a chair.
"A-are you falling in love big brother, Islaw?" Cholo asked, making her freeze. She stared at the boy.
"Do you love him?"
"Why are you asking that?"
"Nothing... I just thought about his effort for you. It looks like he's fallen for you."
Agnes couldn't find her voice. She turned back to Islaw, who was wiping sweat from his face. His clothes were soaked. She felt an overwhelming surge of pity.
"It looks like he really loves you, Big sis," Cholo added, making her heart pound. There it was again—that feeling.
"Here's your payment."
Erick's voice broke the silence. They weren't far from where Islaw stood. Agnes's brows knitted together when she saw Erick pull out some coins, and throw them at the exhausted merman's face.
She watched Erick laugh as Islaw knelt on the ground to pick up the scattered coins with a smile. Her blood boiled. She couldn't take it anymore. She stormed out of hiding, pulled Islaw up, snatched the coins from his hand, and hurled them back at Erick.
"Agnes." Both men were stunned.
"Agnes, l-look... I have money. I have a j-job." Islaw said happily abd innocently.
"Cholo, take Islaw home." She ignored Islaw and turned to the boy.
"Okay, Big sis," Cholo said, dragging a protesting Islaw away.
"Agnes, it's good you're here. We need to talk," Erick said, his eyes narrowing.
"I came here specifically to talk to you."
"Good. Now tell me, why are you slandering me to everyone?"
"There's a difference between slandering and telling the truth. You're the one who started it by twisting the story. I'm just clearing my name."
"Oh, come on. We both know it was your fault I cheated!"
"Don't blame me for your mistakes. I never failed you, you were just never satisfied with what I gave." she said making Erick speechless.
"And another thing, Erick. I didn't come here to talk about your trashy behavior. I came here to throw this in your face." She stooped down, scooped up the coins, and threw them at him again.
"What the heck?!"
"That man worked hard on what you ordered, and this is how you pay him? Coins? What kind of person are you?"
"So you know that guy? The half-wit?"
"Don't you dare insult him!" She shoved him hard in her rage. "If you weren't going to pay him fairly, you shouldn't have tricked him. Have you no mercy?"
"Are those coins not enough? That half-wit looked happy enough with them."
"You're disgusting, Erick!"
"Come on, is that all you've got? Typical poor people, always looking for a big payday."
"I don't care about the money! I care about Islaw—the man you tricked, bossed around, and exhausted for coins!"
"So his name is Islaw? What a stinky name. It fits a beggar and a half-wit."
"Here, this is thousands. I hope that's enough for your half-wit's labor." Erick pulled out his wallet and took out bills.
Agnes trembled with rage. She could ignore insults to herself, but she couldn't stand him talking about Islaw that way. She took the money and tore it up right in front of him.
"What is your problem?!" he barked.
"Keep your dirty money!" she screamed, turning her back on him. She paused and looked back one last time.
"And for your information, Islaw is a much better name than 'Erick-The-Cheater.' Islaw might not be fully matured yet, but he's more of a man than you'll ever be. You jerk!"
She stomped away, her heart heavy with resentment all the way home. But the weight vanished the moment she stepped into her house and was met with Islaw's hug.
"Islaw."
"A-are you mad at me, Agnes?" He looked at her with fear in his eyes.
"I'm upset with you."
"S-sorry... please don't be mad."
"You're just too stubborn, Islaw," she said, pulling away from the hug.
"Sorry. I j-just wanted to w-work for y-you."
"Didn't I tell you I could take care of myself? I can take care of both of us."
"I d-don't want that." He shook his head.
"Why? What are you fighting for?" she asked, frustratedly ruffling her own hair.
"I l-like you... I am the m-man, and I s-should be the one p-providing for you. You always take care of me and p-protect me. You're always the one giving me eve-everything. You're always the one getting t-tired and s-suffering because of me." he answered making Agnes stunned.
"Agnes, I w-want to take care of you, too. I want to p-protect you. I want to be the one to g-give you what you need and w-want. I d-don't want you to be tired anymore."
"Islaw..." She was speechless.
"Agnes, I d-don't know why, but it h-hurts here when I see you t-tired." He pointed to his chest. "I want to be the one doing things for you. Because I like you, because I'm a man... and because I'm your h-husband."
Agnes felt tears prick her eyes. It sounded dramatic, but her heart was truly touched. When was the last time she had heard such sweet words? Her heart felt like it was melting.
"Islaw." She couldn't stop herself; she lunged forward and hugged him tightly.
She hadn't expected those words from this man. Her heart was racing, especially as Islaw looked at her with those soulful, pleading eyes.
"Thank you, Islaw. I didn't realize that was what you were thinking."
"Agnes, d-don't be mad anymore." He pouted like a child. He was so cute.
"I'm not mad at my husband anymore. I'm not mad at my Islaw." She gently combed his hair with her fingers.
"Are we o-okay now, my Agnes?"
"Yes, we're okay." She leaned in, pressing her forehead against his.
"Agnes?"
"Yes, Islaw?" she whispered, eyes closed, foreheads still touching.
"Let's make a baby."